4 X 4 Rebel Jeepster

ok, so i went and bought be a 85 jeep cherokee laredo 2.8 V6 automatic 4x4 for $200 and i was immediataly told bout the problem with the drivability with it.
when put into gear, there is grindin noice and the jeep dont move at all. if i step on the gas, the R's go way up, then the jeep MIGHT move, but ever so slowly.
it does this in both 2 and 4 wheel and in every gear.
but, if i put it in reverse, it works maybe 50% of the time.
any ideas?

Abovetimberline

Make sure the xfercase linkage is adjusted right,make sure the fluid levels in trany and xfercase are good,check the trany fluid and see if it smells burnt,what color it is. If all this is ok then I would say your trany is bad.

4.3L XJ

Command track or select track? Slip it into 4WD and see if it moves.

fantic238

I would say it's the tranny, because if he had a TC linkage problem it would still stay either in 2wd or 4wd.

4.3L XJ

I had the full time model, select trac I think, that did the same thing due to a worn shift fork and slider. Tranny is probably fine. Let's see what he has first.

fantic238

Ok i see what you mean, you say it could be stuck in neutral.

4 X 4 Rebel Jeepster

ok, idk wat all is ment by select trac and stuff lol.
all i know is that its like a neumatic switch for the 2 and 4 wd.
and ok, i didnt think 'bout checkin that stuff before i drained the t case fluid. but it came out almost graphite like. and the tranny fluid i forgot to chek color before i added some just to see if that could be the problem.
i also when i drained the t case fluid, stuck a screwdriver on the chain to see the tention and it was pretty lose. i had 'bout an inch or so of play in the chain.

4.3L XJ

OK, he has the full time model. You need to pul the transfer case. The problem is that for these cases there are not many parts available. But here is what likely happened. There is a yoke and fork that determine 2 or 4WD. :Your 2WD is actually full time with a viscous coupler in it. Anyway, the yoke and fork get worn allow the yoke to slip past where it is supposed to be for 2WD and not engage at all. I would venture to say if you put it in the 4WD position, it will be in the normal 2WD position and probably do alright. Of course, then you don't have a 4WD lock position. What I would recommend doing is replace the case with the NP208, which is the standard case for that year. It is simpler and won't give you problems. If you want one, I think I might have one. I can't remember if I got rid of it or not. I would have to search the junk to know for sure.

4 X 4 Rebel Jeepster

ok, ummm, when i put it in 4 wheel, it still dont do anythin tho
and you said that you might have one?
where 'bout are you located?